- Must visit
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Cheapest price
$169
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
21 h 35 m
Average duration
21 h 35 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
938 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN will cost around $169 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $169.
Of the 1 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Indianapolis, IN on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 938 km distance in an average of 21 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 h 35 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 21 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
51 Cardinal
51 CardinalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 582 miles (938 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$336 Average price | $155 Average price Cheapest | $617 Average price |
21h 53m Average total duration 21h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 58m Average total duration 16h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $182 (€146) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $336 (€271).
A bus is $462 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $617 (€497).
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 28m.
Train takes on average 21h 23m.
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN run on average 1 times per day, taking around 21h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $132 (€106) but you can travel from only $68 (€54) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 10:50. The fastest train covers the 582 miles (938 km) distance in 21h 0m.
Distance 582 miles (938 km) |
Average train duration 21h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $132 (€106) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 21h 0m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 10:50 AM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown canal lined with museums, public art, and boats. Ideal for a scenic walk and one of the city's most popular areas.
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich is a breaded, fried cutlet served on a bun, often comically oversized. It is a beloved statewide classic common in Indianapolis pubs and diners.
Sugar cream pie is Indiana's state pie, made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. Its simple farm-pantry origins make it a traditional Hoosier dessert tied closely to local identity.
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Indianapolis, IN trains use the 30th Street Station to Indianapolis Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Indianapolis, IN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
30th Street Station is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
30th Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Bridgewater's Pub, The Porch at 30th Street Station
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at 30th Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at 30th Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at 30th Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at 30th Street Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at 30th Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, The Study at University City.
Indianapolis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Harry & Izzy's, St. Elmo Steak House
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Indianapolis Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union-Stn, Omni Severin Hotel, The Westin Indianapolis.
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